Ricky Hatton believes Amir Khan can pull of a shock and defeat Saul Alvarez - and thinks it would be one of the biggest results in British boxing history.

The Bolton boxer moves up two weight divisions to take on the tried and tested Mexican at middleweight in Las Vegas on May 7.

Hatton believes Khan can pose Canelo problems, but admits it will be a big ask to get the win.

“It’s a very good fight," the former world welterweight champion told BoxNation. "They are two of the biggest names in boxing. It’s a little bit of a surprise with the weight, I’m really looking forward to it.

“Amir has the style to beat him but it’s a real big ask. He’s got to try and move and hit him hard and not stand there, use his speed and combinations.

Head to head: Khan fights Alvarez next month (Image: Getty Images)

“If he can pull it off it would be one of the best in British boxing history.”

Alvarez has only one professional defeat to his name, against Floyd Mayweather in September 2013, but Hatton believes he has proved himself as one of the world's best since ahead of the WBC title fight next month.

“Canelo improved so much from the Mayweather fight," he added. "People wrote him off but he’s come back better than ever."